The Prince Edward Flying Club was formed soon after the end of World War II, established at the Picton Airport (CNT7), a former BCATP (British Commonwealth Air Training Plan) base and was known as CFB Picton, No. 31 Bombing and Gunnery School operating Avro Anson, Fairey Battle, Bristol Bollingbroke and Westland Lysdander aircraft. The airport was used by the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II to train commonwealth pilots and flight crews and was one of dozens of such bases used across Canada to train pilots, flight engineers, navigators, bombadiers and gunners.

The airport, currently known as Base 31, is now in civilian hands and has been for years. The current owners, who purchased the property recently, allow the PEFC to operate the club for $1/year as long as they look after their own operation, cut their grass, remove their snow and do whatever else is required for safe flying operations. With general aviation in Canada suffering through lack of government assistance and being ruled and regulated to death, pilots, owners and clubs need all the help they can get.

The PEFC has been in operation since 1953 when they took over the operation of the airport. Though the club does not currently own any aircraft, they've had several aircraft over the years with their last being a Canadian built Fleet Canuck which, unfortunately, was destroyed in a fatal accident in the 1980s. The current club president, Mike Lyllel, has great plans and hope for the club including purchasing another aircraft and offering pilot flight training once again.

There are roughly 75 club members, several of whom own and operate their own aircraft including a Van's RV-4, Searay, Challenger II, Quickie and a Bellanca in need of some TLC. All the aircraft were pulled out of their club hangar in order to set up chairs and tables inside their small hangar for the breakfast. Volunteers were busy getting things set up as the first aircraft arrived, a Fleet Canuck from another local airport in Stirling, Ontario.

As more aircraft began arriving, they taxied in to park in front of one of the old World War II style hangars that are still used on the airfield, one or two for aircraft, the remainder, as well as other assorted former World War II buildings that still stand, are used for different business operations & industry. As aircraft came and went, pilots and passengers enjoyed their breakfast and a chin-wag before heading home again.

This is the first fly-in at the airport since 2019 due to pandemic restrictions but the flying club will be hosting 4 more fly-ins throughout the summer on July 10, Aug 21, Sept 11, with the last fly-in of 2022 on Oct 9. Everyone is welcome, whether you fly or drive in for the fly-in. The town of Picton is a summer, tourist Mecca, as is Prince Edward County, a very large island at the south east end of Lake Ontario between Trenton and Kingston. The island is accessible by 3 bridges and a government ferry. There are many wineries as Prince Edward County has become a large grape growing area, along with other fruits such as apples and peaches. There are several beaches, including Sandbanks, a well known holiday destination and swimming area, especially on hot summer days.

The flight to Picton from the Toronto area would take about an hour from the Toronto/Greater Toronto area, about the same from the Ottawa region as well as from upstate New York, a short hop across the eastern end of Lake Ontario, with a quick stop at an airport such as Kingston to clear customs. Picton Airport has 3 runways, set up in a typical triangular shape of the BCATP bases of the day. The airport requires a PPR, which can be done online or by phone call. Runways are:

05/23 - 2580' x 150', asphalt

10/28 - 2550' x 150', asphalt

17/35 - 2520' x 150', asphalt

Normally, the Royal Canadian Air Cadets and Central Region Gliding School operate a training school during the summer, in conjunction with CFB Mountain View, about 10 miles to the northeast of Picton, as well as some spring and fall operations on weekends.

Club president, Mike Layzell, has plans to create an FBO with the return of a flying school at the airport as well as maintenance, fuel services and a new hangar. Fortunately, it looks like the new airport ownership, who do not have an aviation background, are receptive to the idea of the flying club continuing operations at the airport. They've been happy to permit the PEFC to deal with all flying activities at the airport and the hope is that they will continue to allow aviation operations in the foreseeable future. With the history of CFB Picton/Picton Airport, it would be great to see flying continue for many years to come.

With 4 more breakfast fly-in opportunities at the Prince Edward Flying Club, make plans to visit, whether by aeroplane or by car. Take your spouse, your kid, grandchildren, a friend or a neighbour and enjoy a day of flying with a delicious breakfast thrown into the mix. The friendly members and volunteers at the PEFC will make you feel welcomed and full before you leave.

Prince Edward Flying Club: prince-edward-flying-club.com